Man Wanted For Murder Captured With Handgun

Fairfield Township, N.J. – Yesterday, Paul Willoughby, 20, of Fairlfield Township, Cumberland County, had his six week run from the law come to an abrupt end just outside of his home.

Members of the New Jersey State Police Fugitive Unit, Canine Unit, Troop “A” Criminal Investigations Office, and U.S. Marshal’s Service assisted the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Bridgeton City Police Department with their investigation of the January 16 murder of Jermarl Dawkins that occurred at the Burlington Manor Apartments in Bridgeton City. Willoughby is accused of shooting Dawkins multiple times before fleeing.

Willoughby managed to elude authorities for over a month by using multiple locations as hide-outs. The New Jersey State Police Fugitive Unit working with detectives from the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office and Bridgetown City Police department were able to develop information about the various locations he was utilizing to hide from authorities.

State Police detectives were conducting surveillance of Willoughby’s home when they observed him leave the residence. As the detectives approached, he removed a loaded .22 caliber semi-automatic handgun from his waistband and threw it over a nearby fence. After a brief foot chase, State Police detectives apprehended Willoughby and recovered the handgun.

Willoughby was arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Certain Persons Not to Have a Weapon, and Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose as separate offenses from the murder charge. He was then taken into custody by Cumberland County Prosecutor’s Office and Bridgeton City detectives. He was subsequently lodged in the Cumberland County Jail in lieu of $750,000 full cash bail.

Charges are mere accusations and the suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

Paul Willoughby

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